Lesson Quiz: Federalists, Antifederalists, and the Bill of

Rights

Name Date

Read each question carefully. Determine the best answer to the question from the four answer
choices provided. 

1 The purpose of the Federalist was to

A oppose the Constitution.
B attack the Antifederalists.
C explain and defend the Constitution.
D expose the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

2 Patrick Henry was specifically concerned about too much power resting with
A the states.
B the President.
C the judicial branch.
D the legislative branch.

3 Why did the Antifederalists believe that it was important for the Constitution to include a bill of
rights?
A Most state constitutions already had a bill of rights.
B The English Bill of Rights had proven effective for the colonies.
C The rights of women and minorities were not included in the Constitution.
D They feared that a strong central government would ignore basic rights.

4 What finally persuaded the delegates to the Virginia convention to ratify the Constitution?
A They believed a bill of rights would be added to the Constitution.
B It had been ratified by nine states, so it was already law.
C James Madison’s logical approach made sense to the delegates.
D Governor Randolph decided that the Federalists had the better argument.

5 Why did the Federalists think it dangerous to leave too much power to the states?
A States government could develop their own king-like leaders.
B The states would not value the well-being of the whole country.
C A weak federal government would make the United States look weak to the world.
D An imbalance of power would make it too difficult for the central government to function.

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